danf:
I'm starting to think about trying to put together a rack as money allows... Question is, what is considered a "full rack" for this area? There's obvious items- nuts, tapers, etc- but is a single set enough? And what sizes? What are the common cam sizes that are used (I know each manufacturer labels differently...)? How many people use tri-cams?

Before anyone asks, I have no experience leading or following trad at this point. It is definitely something I want to learn though. I want to start putting together a rack now, so that when I am at the point of climbing trad routes (either leading or following) I don't show up empty-handed. I do want to start playing around with the gear on the ground (or even on sport climbs) to familiarize myself with it.

Thanks for any insight!

tradmanclimbz:
Start with a single set of stoppers BD sizes or equivilant #4 to #13 eventualy you will want doubbles of #4 to #8 a single set of cams from 1/4 in to 3" would be the eventual goal.

sneoh:
To OP, looks like you might be a number of months late for a great deal on a complete rack from Al :) - http://www.neclimbs.com/SMF_2/index.php/topic,5728.0.html

p.s. Do not even get people like Strand started on tri-cams! I used them some in NH but much more so at The Gunks.

DLottmann:
Don't "double up" on ANYTHING until you have some mileage under your belt. Many, many, new climbers over-buy out of eagerness early on. I would recommend:

That's my general set-up for most anything New England. Occasionally you need something else but your route research will tell you that and by then you'll know who to borrow it from.

And since I learned from a lot of reading and some professional guides, and later became a guide, I'd suggest finding one of those as well, unless you can hook up with an awesome mentor, or squared away climbing club/group. A few days with a good guide can be well worth it...